Hibs star goes AWOL

Hibs boss John Hughes has revealed Sol Bamba is AWOL after he failed to report for pre-season training.

Last Updated: 21/07/10 2:00pm

Hibernian manager John Hughes has revealed Ivory Coast star Sol Bamba is AWOL after he failed to report for pre-season training.

Bamba was given extra time off following the World Cup finals in South Africa and had been due to meet the team in Holland on Tuesday.

However, Hughes has not seen or heard from the 25-year-old and is frustrated that he is having to work on systems without the defender.

"There's no anger, more a disappointment and frustration," Hughes told The Scotsman. "Sol had been due to join us for training (on Tuesday) but he was a 'no show'.

"We gave him extra time after the World Cup but we have our own cup final coming up next week and it is all hands on deck.

Concern

"My whole concern is getting this team prepared. Sol has been an integral part of the side but at this moment in time I am planning for next week without him, looking at different systems and the like because I do not know when he is going to turn up."

Hughes revealed he had left messages on Bamba's mobile but, as yet, had not received a reply.

He continued: "There may be a very good reason so I won't pre-judge him, but it shouldn't be any hassle to answer your phone or call the club or myself.

"I feel really let down and I think he has been a bit disrespectful to the rest of the boys when they are here working so hard, physically, mentally and tactically for what is one of the club's biggest games in years."